This has been a crazy week! I know I’ve been behind in my blog entries. Here’s what’s been going on thus far.
1. Last Saturday, we handed out 200 free subway fare cards for our InsideOut outreach event. Some people were skeptical, which is understandable. Face it. Many things that are “free” have a catch or end up costing you in the long run. Right now, we are strangers to the community. Trust can only be built be engaging the community consistently over time. Some were excited and blown away that the church was actually giving something away, rather than asking for something. Overall, it was awesome.
2. Expression went well last night. The attendance was staggering. There were people standing up against the walls. We are contemplating continuing the event after we launch. I was planning to cast vision for our September 9th launch. However…
3. I caught laryngitis and couldn’t speak. Yeah, I know. Bummer. Update: I still have laryngitis and still can’t speak. I was scheduled to speak at our Test Drive at the AMC tomorrow…oh, well. Dafnette said she will fill in for me. Bless her heart. She’s a great speaker and encourager. As a result, I can focus on doing what all church planters do best: graphics.
4. I attended the Buzz Conference at National Community Church. It was awesome! I had a great time. Mark Batterson, Craig Croeshel, and Tim Stevens were the main speakers. God truly used them to challenge us as leaders. One of my great friends, Chris, served at the conference. It was exciting to see him involved. I also met a guy named Ben from Florida, who has been reading my blog. I was boosted! I’ve never met someone that lives so far that reads the blog. Speaking of blogging, I attended a bloggers breakfast with Tony Morgan. During the session, he spoke a little bit about being consistent with your blog entries. Oops!)
5. I’m committing to praying like crazy over the next few months. I pray that God will continue to bless and keep our family. I also pray for his direction, leading, and favor for The Bridge. If you remember, please pray for us as well.
Jumaine,
Hey man. It was nice to meet you at Buzz. Thanks for the shout out. I love meeting church planters and hope that God calls me to planting one day. There are so many people that need to be reached and served and that is only going to be accomplished through more churches that are different from the others working to reach all the different people that need Jesus. God speed with the up coming preview churches. Talk with you later.
Ben
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Jumaine,
It was great chatting on the walk from Ebenezer’s to Union Station…praying for you.
travis